S.C. Preserves Part of Fort Johnson Site-- Part 3: Before and After the War

By 1829, the Fort Johnson property had become a depot for the construction of Fort Sumter.  In 1860, engineers were scrambling to finish Fort Sumter as war clouds gathered.  On December 20, 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union.

On December 26, 1861, Major Robert Anderson of the U.S. First Artillery ordered the families and troops at Fort Moultrie to shift  from Sullivan's Island to Fort Johnson, but the schooner carrying them stopped just short of the point, anchoring in the harbor.

When S.C. Governor Francis W. Pickens, learned that the forts, except Sumter, were essentially unoccupied, he ordered them seized.  General Pierre G.T. Beauregard decided a mortar to be fired from Fort Johnson would serve as a signal  for all batteries tom open fire on Sumter.

At the time, there were two batteries at Fort Johnson, one on the beach and one on the hill.

During the war, Fort Johnson and at Union-held Battery Gregg on Morris Island often exchanged artillery fire.  On July 3, 1864, Union troops attempted an amphibious landing at Fort Johnson, but failed.

In early 1865, with General Sherman's Army marching through the state, Confederates evacuated Fort Johnson and the rest of the massive Charleston defenses on February 17.

Troops with the 54th Massachusetts, a black regiment famous for he attack on Fort Wagner in Charleston Harbor and the 52nd Pennsylvania, a white regiment, rowed form Morris Island to Fort Johnson, taking control of 26 abandoned cannons.

--Old B-Runner

The Battle of Legareville-- Part 5: Aftermath

Union casualties were  3 killed and 4 wounded, compared to Confederate 3 killed and 8 wounded.  

After the battle, Col. Powhatan R. Page blamed poor artillery  for the inconclusive  battle.  Delaware Kemper defended his men by the fact that  the range did not allow  their fire to accurately disable the USS Marblehead.

In his report, General P.G.T. Beauregard took both accounts in and reported that the failure to destroy or drive away the Marblehead was  "due to the inefficiency of the artillery through bad ammunition, fuzes, and primers, and bad service of the guns.  The eight-inch howitzers, objected to by Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper, were intended to kill the enemy."

Unknown to the Confederates, however, their artillerists did fire with some degree of accuracy.  The Marblehead sustained some thirty hits.  Lt. Cmdr. Richard Meade wrote, "We have one 30-pounder shell that was lodged in steerage and did not explode...."  Steerage here meaning apparatus that allows for the steering of a ship, a rather important component of a ship's operation.  In addition, he noted two other unexploded shells lodged elsewhere in his ship.

Overall, he reported extensive, but largely superficial damage to his ship.

Eventually, Farley, Miller, Blake and Moore (who was not in Meade's recommendations) received Medals of Honor.

More Than  You Ever Thought You'd Know About This Little Battle.  --Old B-Runner

Where Was This Photo Taken?-- Part 1

Did anyone guess where this place next to this entry was located?

But, here are some clues.  

**  It shows a dock leading up to a masonry brick fort with water and a city in the background on what appears to be an island perhaps.

**  The commander of the Confederates was P.G.T. Beauregard and my favorite Confederate general, W.H.C. Whiting, was also here at the battle.

**  It is in a former Confederate state (Sorry BLM).

**  Action here is regarded as the start of the Civil War.

**  There was a huge bombardment here in 1861, but no Union soldiers were killed until after the surrender, when a cannon blew up when they were firing a salute.

**  Major Robert Anderson was in charge of the Union force.

**  It was bombarded into ruins by Union ships later in the war.

You probably have the right answer by now.  

--Old B-Runner

February 13, 1865-- Part 1: The Bleak Gets Darker in South Carolina: Charleston To Be Evacuated

FEBRUARY 13TH, 1865:  The end of the Confederacy was fast approaching by now.  General Sherman's on-rushing army approached the Congaree River in South Carolina.  The soldiers would cross it on the 14th, heading for Columbia.

With the fall of Columbia assured and with the supply route to Augusta, Georgia, already cut, General Hardee sped up his preparations to evacuate Charleston and to take troops he took with him from Savannah to North Carolina where he planned to join Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Beauregard.

--Old B-Runner

September 19, 1863: Horace Hunley Wants Command of His Submarine in Charleston Harbor

SEPTEMBER 19TH, 1863:    Horace L. Hunley wrote General Beauregard, commanding Charleston, S.C., requesting that command of the submarine bearing his name be turned over to him.  "I propose," Hunley said, "if you will place the boat in my hands to furnish a new crew (in whole or part) from Mobile who are well acquainted with its management & make an attempt to destroy a vessel of the enemy as early as practicable."

Three days later, Brigadier General  Jordan, Beauregard's Chief of Staff, directed that the submarine be "cleaned and turned over to him with the understanding that said Boat shall be ready for service in two weeks."

Under Hunley's direction, a crew was brought to Charleston from Mobile, the H.L. Hunley was readied, and a number of practice dives carried out preparatory to making an actual attack.

Getting ready.

Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks USS New Ironsides-- Part 2

While alongside the Union ship, James Carlin was unable to start his engines the engines for some minutes, but the daring Confederate kept up a  cool conversation with the officer of the deck of the USS New Ironsides, who finally became alarmed but was unable to depress any of the cannons sufficiently to fire at the little craft.

At this moment, the torpedo boat's engines started, and Carlin quickly made his way back to Charleston, two shots from the New Ironsides falling 20 feet to either side of him.

General Beauregard, seeking to lift the blockade and the continuing bombardment at Forts Wagner and Sumter, wrote Carlin:  "I feel convinced that another trial under more favorable circumstances will surely meet with success, notwithstanding the known defects of the vessel."

--Old B-Runner

Whiting Appeals to Planters for Help on Defenses of Wilmington

From the July 23, 1863 Wilmington (NC) Journal.

"General WHITING, now commanding the department of North Carolina, appeals to the planters of the State to furnish him with labor.  Will this appeal be responded to or will it be slighted?

"Remember that this critical position of things on Morris Island is due mainly, if not wholly, to the neglect of planters of South Carolina to respond to the call and appeal of General BEAUREGARD."

The labor the planters were to send, of course, were slaves.  The Journal was blaming the Union forces being on Morris Island by Charleston, S.C., on the lack of cooperation from the planters.

--Old B-Runner

New 'Battle' of Charleston's Fort Bull Won

From the July 2, 2017, Charleston (SC) Post & Courier "Winning the 'battle' of Fort Bull:  Civil War site protected from West Ashley waterline path" by Bo Peterson.

Fort Bull consists of earthen berms back in the woods on private land and was in danger of partly being destroyed by the laying of water pipes.  It was dug by Confederate soldiers neat today's Bees Ferry Road and was part of the massive defensive defenses of Charleston, S.C., during the war.

It was designed by General Beauregard and even Robert E. lee had a part in its early design before he took command of the Army of Northern Virginia.  Over 200 defenses were constructed during the war in Charleston County.  Most like Fort Bull were vacant most of the time, but could be easily defended in case of Union attack.

Persons interested in preserving history caused the Charleston Water System, which was laying pipe in the area to swing around the fort's remains.

--Old B-R'er

Fort Livingston, Louisiana-- Part 2: Built On a Pirate Hideout

In the early 19th century, Grand Terre Island was the home to pirates under Lafitte.

The fort was begun in 1834, but work soon stopped.  It resumed in 1841 under the direction of Major P.G.T. Beauregard, U.S. Army.  A lighthouse was added in 1856.  Construction was stooped by the Civil War and never resumed after that.

It was occupied temporarily by Confederates and used to protect blockade runners using the Barataria Pass..  At one time, the fort had four companies, comprising 300 men along with 15 cannons.  It was abandoned after the fall of New Orleans to Farragut.

Most of the fort was destroyed by a hurricane in 1872 and most of its guns removed in 1889.  One whole side is gone and it is only accessible by boat.

--Old B-R'er

A Baby Named P.G.T. Walker?

With the surrender of Fort Sumter, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard became quite the hero in the South.  I am sure that more than a few boys born in the months following were given parts of the general's name.

I remember seeing such a one either at Wilmington, North Carolina's Oakdale Cemetery or Goldsboro, North Carolina's Willowdale Cemetery named P.G.T. Walker.

Well, maybe the last name is not correct.

Others received the name Beauregard.

--Old B-Runner

Lt. Thomas B. Huger, CSA, Wants to Drive Off Union Fleet

April 14th, 1861:  Lt. Thomas B. Huger to Gen. Beauregard.  "These vessels of the enemy, which are causing us some anxiety, and, at any rate, treating us with great disrespect, I would like to have the pleasure of driving them off from our port; and if we cannot succeed in that, at least make them keep a respectable distance.

"I volunteer for the service.  If you will allow me to put the rifled cannon on board the Lady Davis, under my command, I can go out, and, at long range, try the effect of the shot on them.

Go get 'Em, Lieutenant.  --Old B-R'er

Beauregard Reports to Walker April 14, 1861

April 14th, 1861:  "I have possession of Sumter.  Anderson and garrison on Isabel going in the morning.  None killed; two wounded.  Quarters in ruins.  Interior of fort damaged.

"Armament still effective against entrance to channel."

There was still fear of a Union attack.

Later this date, Beauregard also reported:  "Fleet still outside.  Can spare no guns yet, but hope to do so soon."

I imagine the War department wanted some of Fort Sumter's cannons sent elsewhere.

--Old B-Runner

Confederates Report the Battle

APRIL 13, 1861:  Beauregard to L.P. Walker, Confederate Secretary of War:  "Officers' quarters in Sumter burning.  Part of the roof supposed to have fallen in.  Sumter firing at long intervals.  Ours regular and effective.  Six vessels outside in signals with Sumter (referring to Fox's fleet)."

Later, a telegraph to Walker: from Rhett.

"Anderson has hauled down the United States flag on Sumter and run up a white flag.  Fort has been burning for several hours from effect of shells.  two explosions have been produced by shells.  he has ceased firing some time, and fire of all the batteries has been continuous until now-- 3 o'clock.  Aides have been sent by Beauregard to Sumter.

R.B. Rhett, Jr.

--Old B-R'er

The War Is On!-- Part 2: Battle Continues

APRIL 12TH, 1861:  Telegram from Beauregard to CSA Sec. of War L.P. Walker.  "Heavy firing all day.  Several guns dismounted in Sumter.  Our batteries all safe.  Nobody hurt.  Four steamers off the bar.  The sea pretty rough."

--Old B-Runner

Beauregard's April 11th Ultimatum to Anderson About Fort Sumter's Evacuation

I was able to find the letter written from Beauregard to Anderson regarding the fort's immediate evacuation.

APRIL 11TH, 1861:  Gen. Beauregard wrote to Major Anderson that his government had been patiently awaiting word from the U.S. government that the fort would be evacuated, but it hadn't come:  "But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance to one of our harbors, and necessary to its defense and security.

"I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter."

Beauregard was sending his aides Col. James Chesnut and Capt. Stephen D. Lee to formally make the demand.  They will assist in the removal of yourself and command with arms and property and all private property to any post in the U.S. you want.  Furthermore, Anderson would be allowed to salute the flag when taking it down.

The Refusal of This Demand Was the Final Straw, Especially With the Arrival of the Harriet Lane Later That Day.  The Expected Reinforcements Were Arriving.  --Old B-Runner

155 Years Ago: The War Is On!!-- Part 1

All of these are coming from "The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol. 1."

APRIL 12TH, 1861:

CSA Secretary of War L.P. Walker to Beauregard:  "What was Major Anderson's reply to the proposition contained in my dispatch of last night?"

Gen. Beauregard, Charleston, S.C. to L.P. Walker:  "He would not consent.  I write to-day."

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,  Charleston, S.C., April 12, 1861.

Hon. L.P. Walker, Secretary of War:

"SIR:  I have the honor to transmit the inclosed copy of a correspondence with Major Anderson, in consequence of which our fire was opened upon Fort Sumter at 4:30 o'clock this morning, as already communicated to you by telegraph.

"The pilots reported to me last evening that a steamer, supposed to be the Harriet Lane, had appeared off the harbor."

G.T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General Commanding.

So, It's War, Then.  --Old B-R'er

Revenue Cutter Harriet Lane Off Charleston

From D.F. Jamison, CSA to Gen. Beauregard.

APRIL 11TH, 1861:  "...Captain Davenport, of the pilot-boat Palmetto, reports that he saw the Harriet Lane this afternoon, making towards this city with speed, until within about fifteen miles of the bar, when she 'hove to.'

"That then he was about two miles from her, when he distinctly recognized her.  He says he has no doubt about her identity, as he knows her well."

So, the Reinforcement Was Underway.  --Old B-Runner

155 Years Ago: Anderson's Reply to Beauregard's Demand for Surrender

G.T. Beauregard to Confederate Secretary of War L.P.  Walker, April 11, 1861.

"Major Anderson replies" 'I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say in reply thereto that it is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor and of my obligations to my Government prevent my compliance.'

"He says verbally"  'I will await the first shot, and if you do not batter us to pieces we will be starved out in a few days.'

"Answer."

In Other Words, "NUTS!!"  But In an Oh So Polite Way.  --Old B-Runner

Walker replied to him not to "needlessly... bombard Fort Sumter" if Anderson says he will have to leave because of being starved out.

155 Years Ago: Beauregard Tells Confederate Commissioners in Washington, D.C. That He Will demand Evacuation of Fort Sumter and, if Not...

From Gen. Beauregard at Charleston to Confederate Commissioners at Washington D.C, April 11, 1861:  "Evacuation of Fort Sumter will be demanded today.  If refused, hostilities will commence to-night."

--Old B-R'er

"Diplomacy Has Failed. The Sword Must Now Preserve Out Independence"

From Martin J. Crawford in Washington, D.C. to General Beauregard in Charleston, April 9, 1861.

"The messenger speaks doubtless by authority.  He gives the promised notice to Governor Pickens.  Diplomacy has failed.  The sword must now preserve out independence.  Our gallant countrymen will do their duty."

From L.P. Walker, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Alabama, to Gen. Beauregard, Charleston, S.C. April 10. 1861:  "If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who communicated to you the intention of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumter by force you will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused proceed, in such manner as you may determine to reduce it.  Answer."

Beauregard replied that day:  "The demand will be made to-morrow at 12 0'clock."

Walker replied asking if Beauregard could do it earlier unless there was a special reason.  Beauregard replied there was.

--Old B-R'er